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Thursday, July 30, 2009

Are we rushing through healthcare reform?

It seems like some people really love all the healthcare reform proposals and others really hate them. Many people are worried that we might be rushing through this process and the end result might be a disaster. Our country is going through a serious economic recession and there are too many people out there who need health insurance. Unemployment is still rampant and many people are struggling to survive during these difficult times. Are we making decisions based on the current state of the economy or are we planning for the future?

President Obama has outlined eight basic consumer protections:

No discrimination for pre-existing conditions

No exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays

No cost-sharing for preventive care

No dropping of coverage if you become seriously ill

No gender discrimination

No annual or lifetime caps on coverage

Extended coverage for young adults

Guaranteed insurance renewal so long as premiums are paid

All of this sounds great, but how will we get there? I've been speaking with many physicians who are deeply concerned about some of the healthcare reform proposals that are out there. Will these reforms create such a change in the healthcare system that it undermines the quality of care that people end up receiving?